Friday, September 13, 2013

SCO summit begins in Bishkek

BISHKEK, Sep 13 (APP): The 13th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) started here in Bishkek on Friday, the capital of Kyrgyzstan to discuss the regional situation, security issues and promoting further cooperation among the member states. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz is leading Pakistan at the Summit.Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev being Chairman of the SCO opened the Summit which is being attended by the leaders of member states.

Pakistan is an observer in the SCO and is seeking a full membership status of the Organization.The SCO’s objectives include promoting peace and stability in the region through building stronger and more productive relationship among the member countries.The SCO members are Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Turkmenistan is a “special invitee” while Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Mongolia, and India are observers. Turkey, Belarus, and Sri Lanka are “dialogue partners”.Present situation in Syria, will also be discussed in this SCO summit.